Tulloch started all 16 games in his first season in Detroit. According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Lions are still talking to Tulloch's representatives but the sides are not close to getting a deal done.

Meanwhile, the Lions are also trying to strike long-term deals with Avril and wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Avril, who had a career high 11 sacks last season, is thought to be a candidate for the franchise tag if the sides can't reach a long-term deal. Avril, though, has suggested he would hold out if the team uses the franchise tag, which is expected to be valued at $10.6 million for the 2012 season.

The Lions could gain some salary cap flexibility by restructuring the contract of Johnson, who is about to enter the final year of a rookie deal that carries a salary cap number of about $22.5 million, according to the Free Press. Johnson's agent, Bus Cook, told the Free Press he was scheduled to meet with the team at the combine to discuss a deal that would make Johnson the highest-paid receiver in the league.

One way or another, the dominoes will eventually start to fall for the Lions.